Ainsley's Blog
posted by talktoainsley at 6:44 PM
62 comments
Thursday, February 17, 2005
YOUNG ADULTS IN POLITICS II
It seems as though there were an array of opinions as to Young Adult's involvement in Politics. It was my intent to also look at Young Adult's community involvement as well.
In reading through each post a few times, I understand how one blogger in particular may feel that "workerbees" are what they are and that's it. However, at the sametime if Young Adults will only continue to be "worker bees" then what does that say about the older generation and future direction of the country??? Will that mean that we(Young Adults) will be as egotistical and arrogant in believing that in 20 yrs???? I hope not. We matter, are important, and if given the chance to represent political and community organizations and events we will show that young does not always mean dumb!!!
In regards to the other comments which gave more compelling opinions, I think that indeed most in the Age group of 21-30 are more so (than me) into careers and family. This fact was also realized after speaking with a few friends and co-workers in that age group. It is funny to see that many also commented that they would like to be involved but gave excuses such as: "time", "political and local community organizations don't matter to me", "my involvement is not going to mean anything", and my favorite which is probably the most significant "money."
1. Beginning with the latter, money is a big issue for Young Adults whom are not in the financial/business sector since the average starting salary out of high school for a Flight Attendant is $13,700 or with a 4-year Degree a Teacher at $25,700. (This info may be found at www.themint.org/earning/startingsaleries.php) -That website has other helpful salary/savings info. So back to the money, most are unwilling to pay for example $20/yr for local party involvement plus expenses for trips, conferences, conventions, etc., the same for Rotary/Kiwanis involvememnt, which could cost upwards of more than $80 monthly.
2. The "My involvement is not going to mean anything", is the only real non-excuse. Your opinion counts far more with community involvement versus anything which you may do at work/school and sometimes even at home..haa-haaa....I say that because at work you are not as free to voice you opinion and at school it is the Teacher/Instructor who has the ultimate or final say in matters. Not to be a know it all, but for example, if you were involved with an organization and you wanted to become involved with a community service project, then as long as you were going to spearhead the effort, it is your opinion, and your idea which the organization will support..So your involvement means a lot!!!
3. Finally, TIME is an issue...With careers and family it can become burdensome to be involved with local political and/or community Organizations. For example, if you are a single parent then maybe a babysitter becomes an issue, or if you are a full-time student, you may not have time for any additonal involement outside of school, or if you are in a non-mangerial role at work you may not be able to attend frequent early a.m. meetings, lunch meetings, local City/County Boards/Commissions, etc. The meeting times for a lot of organizations, have even posed problems for me, so I particiapte when I am able.
In all, we must look at what one blogger said and that was that we should all find our niche in organizations, at what we like to do. At that point, you become not only a citizen whom is actively involved but one that is an informed citizen in whatever field/area, locally, statewide and/or nationally.
This 1st blog was a success and I will continue to push the issue for Young Adults as well as other issues of importance.
~
In reading through each post a few times, I understand how one blogger in particular may feel that "workerbees" are what they are and that's it. However, at the sametime if Young Adults will only continue to be "worker bees" then what does that say about the older generation and future direction of the country??? Will that mean that we(Young Adults) will be as egotistical and arrogant in believing that in 20 yrs???? I hope not. We matter, are important, and if given the chance to represent political and community organizations and events we will show that young does not always mean dumb!!!
In regards to the other comments which gave more compelling opinions, I think that indeed most in the Age group of 21-30 are more so (than me) into careers and family. This fact was also realized after speaking with a few friends and co-workers in that age group. It is funny to see that many also commented that they would like to be involved but gave excuses such as: "time", "political and local community organizations don't matter to me", "my involvement is not going to mean anything", and my favorite which is probably the most significant "money."
1. Beginning with the latter, money is a big issue for Young Adults whom are not in the financial/business sector since the average starting salary out of high school for a Flight Attendant is $13,700 or with a 4-year Degree a Teacher at $25,700. (This info may be found at www.themint.org/earning/startingsaleries.php) -That website has other helpful salary/savings info. So back to the money, most are unwilling to pay for example $20/yr for local party involvement plus expenses for trips, conferences, conventions, etc., the same for Rotary/Kiwanis involvememnt, which could cost upwards of more than $80 monthly.
2. The "My involvement is not going to mean anything", is the only real non-excuse. Your opinion counts far more with community involvement versus anything which you may do at work/school and sometimes even at home..haa-haaa....I say that because at work you are not as free to voice you opinion and at school it is the Teacher/Instructor who has the ultimate or final say in matters. Not to be a know it all, but for example, if you were involved with an organization and you wanted to become involved with a community service project, then as long as you were going to spearhead the effort, it is your opinion, and your idea which the organization will support..So your involvement means a lot!!!
3. Finally, TIME is an issue...With careers and family it can become burdensome to be involved with local political and/or community Organizations. For example, if you are a single parent then maybe a babysitter becomes an issue, or if you are a full-time student, you may not have time for any additonal involement outside of school, or if you are in a non-mangerial role at work you may not be able to attend frequent early a.m. meetings, lunch meetings, local City/County Boards/Commissions, etc. The meeting times for a lot of organizations, have even posed problems for me, so I particiapte when I am able.
In all, we must look at what one blogger said and that was that we should all find our niche in organizations, at what we like to do. At that point, you become not only a citizen whom is actively involved but one that is an informed citizen in whatever field/area, locally, statewide and/or nationally.
This 1st blog was a success and I will continue to push the issue for Young Adults as well as other issues of importance.
~
posted by talktoainsley at 11:53 AM
12 comments
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Young Adults in Politics
Through my five or so years of involvement on local/state politics and other Organizations, I have always asked why other Young Adults between 21 and 30 desire to not serve the community..Is it that I have a passion for working with the community, etc. Or is it that Young Adults in that age group are more focused on relationships, family, career, etc.. Interesting to know what you think..
posted by talktoainsley at 9:05 PM
28 comments
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- Name: talktoainsley
- Location: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
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